Deciding to join the nursing profession is a highly rewarding career choice. You will become part of a collective of like-minded health professionals who use their expertise and passion for making a difference to improve the lives of their local communities.
The Australian College of Nursing’s (ACN) Men in Nursing Working Party is dedicated to highlighting the benefits a nursing career can offer men in an attempt to increase gender diversity within the profession.
To meet these ends, four members of our Men in Nursing Working Party have shared the most positive aspects of their decision to become a nurse in part two of our Men in Nursing Impact Series.
Why is your nursing career rewarding? We would love you to share with us on social media by using the hashtag #Itsoktocare!
#1: Transform the lives of others in your local community
This is certainly the case for Mal Frazer MACN who has been part of the nursing profession for over 40 years and works within the specialty of community nursing.
“Seeing someone in their own home is an honour and a privilege,” he says.
“I constantly remind myself I am an invited guest, with the opportunity to provide support, education, coaching or networking with other community-based services and the family to achieve the best outcome for that client.”
“The most rewarding aspect of community nursing is that we work as a team in partnership with the client to achieve their established goals.”
#2: Pass your knowledge on to future generations
David Stanley MACN works as a nurse academic which is another area you can make a difference within our profession.
“Teaching means that you never really know how far your impression on people will go,” he says.
“Writing means that people all over the world may read and be influenced by your work.”
“It is knowing that things I have said, education sessions I have given, or publications that I have contributed to that may reach beyond my small personal sphere of influence that brings me joy.”
#3: Influence health care delivery
It is the ability to contribute in a variety of ways that makes nursing a rewarding career for Nurse Unit Manager Lee Poole MACN.
“For me, the most enjoyable part of my day is receiving feedback from our staff and patients about the excellent service we provide and knowing that I have contributed to the structures and systems which support this,” he says.
“Undertaking a nursing degree was one of the best decisions I have made; I have had a diverse and reward career since.”
“The breadth and depth of opportunity and variety of roles is constantly changing. There is scope for anyone to build a career in nursing based on their strengths.”
#4: Being part of a profession that makes a real difference to the lives of others
It is the motivation to help others that drives community nurse Kazuma Honda MACN in his professional practice.
“I am an extremely passionate nurse and I aspire to make a difference,” he says.
“Nurses in the community can involve looking after very ill people, trauma and even caring for end-of-life patients.”
“It makes me strong and passionate about people who want to embrace life and reach their health care goals.”
The perspectives and stories of Mal, Lee, Kazuma and David are just some examples of the diverse contribution nurses make to their communities in a wide range of settings. Learn more about the Men in Nursing Campaign and be sure to keep an eye out in the upcoming weeks for more articles in the Men in Nursing impact series.
